UK allocates £162 million to life sciences and materials research

The UK government, through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), has allocated over £160 million in public funding to the Rosalind Franklin Institute and the Henry Royce Institute. This funding, provided via the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), is set to be distributed over the next five years to advance health technology and materials science.

To mark the announcement, Science Minister Chris McDonald unveiled a Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscope at the Rosalind Franklin Institute. This specialized equipment operates at ten times the resolution of conventional light microscopy, allowing researchers to observe the fine internal structures of cells. Specifically, the technology aims to provide deeper insights into gut cells to aid in the development of new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.

The research facilities, located in Harwell and Manchester, are intended to support the government’s industrial strategy by translating scientific research into economic growth, new investments, and job creation within the technology and medical sectors.